“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:12-13
Something is different. The assassination of Charlie Kirk brought with it a soul-shaking chill that rippled throughout the whole globe. We saw this chill in the utter shock and confusion of people being forced to come to terms with the reality of political violence perpetrated against an unexpected recipient. We saw it in the grief people shared at the loss of a son, husband, father, mentor, and inspiration. We see it still in the despair people carry, heavy in their souls, when they saw it was their neighbors, family, or friends that cheered such an act with malicious fervor. For those who didn’t cheer, those who may not have agreed with Charlie Kirk or even liked him still felt the chill extended to them, bringing with it doubt and uncertainty. Overall, it would seem to me there was a time, a way things worked, before the assassination of Charlie and now there is a time, a way things work, after his assassination. Something is different.
For some, the chill faded and was quickly replaced by the heat of anger. Cries of justice, demands of accountability, and the steady refrain of, “No more,” ring across the air. Rightfully so. For others, the chilled settled into a cold dread. A fear now resides with them whispering dangers for the future or even dangers for themselves. Who could blame those who feel this way? For others still, including myself, there is a torrent of the two fighting for supremacy. Some days bring with it the fires of wrath and a great desire to see the wicked crushed by the righteousness of God. I want to see an end to all this wanton evil and have the foolish preaching of “wise men” silenced under the truth of the Lord. Then tomorrow comes, and dread sits with me. A cold fear that questions, “How can we move forward with one another? How can forgiveness reign with those who do not value it but abuse it? How can I walk this uncertain path, especially with little footfalls that follow behind me?” Perhaps you share these questions or feelings. Perhaps you struggle with me. Perhaps you ask the same question I do:
Who will save us from this body of death?
The answer has always been and will always be the same. Jesus. Jesus is the only way forward through this and every tragedy. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the door and the vine. Jesus is the great I AM. Hear the words of our Lord, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” I encourage you, answer the question asked to Martha. For if you do believe this, then Charlie, who presently is away from his flesh, has not died eternally but lives with Christ even now. As do all who believe who were victims of perverse, brutal violence and death. Our Savior, who looks at death as if it was sleep, holds them. Life itself cares for them and comforts them.
But what of us who remain? What shall we do? Hear the Apostle Paul, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
Stand. Firm.
Hold the line, brothers and sisters in Christ. Now, more than ever in our lifetime, we must preach Christ crucified and hold to the truths and tenets given to us in His Holy Word. No more do we entertain false doctrine or give ear to false council. No more do we pervert or make excuses for God’s Holy Word but instead proclaim it boldly and courageously. We are not ashamed of the hope that is within us for it is our foundation to endure all that evil has to throw at us.
You do not fight against flesh and blood but against the evil one and all principalities that come with it. Remember all heresy, perversion, and evil begins with the departure from God’s Word founded on that age old question that started all this mess, “Did God really say?”
Just as Egypt refused to free Israel, the one we call the devil refuses to release those under his capture. So we continue to preach, pray, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of our neighbor. It is only Jesus who sets the captives free and heals the brokenhearted. Our faithfulness is not just for our own benefit but for the love we share for our friends, family, and neighbors across the whole globe. Let not the devil twist us into instruments of wrath but instead let us become as steel fortified against all lies and falsehood. We must be bastions of truth in an untruthful age, havens for the faithful, arks for those who travel in this flood.
It is not wrong to seek justice, brothers and sisters. In fact, it is necessary so that great wickedness in all its forms is restrained to protect each other. Just remember who we ultimately struggle against. “Jesus defeated death so that you can live.” – Charlie Kirk [September 10, 2025]
In Christ,
Pastor Tommy